Frederic Michalak has been an enigma on the world stage since making his France debut against South Africa in November 2001. He possesses a huge amount of ability and bags of flair, but his decision making an big-game temperament have often been questioned.

He made his debut for Toulouse in 1998, winning the French championship in 2001 and the Heineken Cup in 2003 and 2005 whilst maintaining a place in the France squad. He competed at the 2003 Rugby World Cup as France exited at the semi-final stage and also at the 2007 World Cup in France, where his brilliant kick to help defeat Ireland was a rare highlight in a mixed campaign.

Following the 2007 tournament Michalak made a controversial move to South Africa, competing for Natal Sharks and the Sharks in Currie Cup and Super 14. While away he was ineligible for France duty, but returned to Toulouse in 2008.

In March 2009 he was a late call-up into France's Six Nations squad, winning his first cap since 2007 as a replacement scrum-half against Italy. He was subsequently included in the French squad for their November Tests, but failed to force his way into the reckoning at either No.9 or 10. Following a succession of injuries and a loss of form, he soon disappeared from the international scene.

Michalak's time at Toulouse finished at the end of the 2010/11 season and he promptly returned to the Sharks, where he made a big impact in the Currie Cup. However in December 2011 Toulon confirmed that the fly-half would join them on a three-year contract.

And he flourished at Toulon with Bernard Laporte opting to play him at scrum-half. His impressive form led to a recall to the Test side with Philippe Saint-Andre favouring him in the other half-back berth.